Gt Yarmouth: Man Jailed For Sex Assaults

A man's been jailed after being convicted of sexual offences against two young girls in Great Yarmouth 20 years ago.

66 year old Jose Marinho of Shadingfield Close in Lowestoft appeared at Norwich Crown Court for sentencing on Monday 16 July after being convicted by a jury on Friday 25 May.

Marinho, formerly of Great Yarmouth, was arrested in August 2010 after one of his victims, now an adult, reported being sexually abused by him at his home address when she was a child. After a full investigation by police, Marinho was charged in March 2011 with a number of sexual offences against one girl and with the indecent assault of the other.During the trial the court heard how Marinho gave the girls money and sweets as well as alcohol before touching them and carrying out sexual acts.

He was subsequently convicted by the jury of two counts of gross indecency and one count of indecent assault on the first girl and one count of indecent assault on the other.

DC Matt Jenkins, of Great Yarmouth CID, who investigated the crimes, said he was pleased that justice had been done."The offences date back to the early 1990s but this case demonstrates that we can investigate and successfully prosecute such cases of historic abuse. The victims of these crimes have been very brave in coming forward and we'd urge anyone who may have suffered similar abuse to find the courage to report it. Please don't be frightened - your case will be treated in confidence and we will do all we can to put those responsible before the courts. As this shows there can be some justice even after many years of living with the effects of the abuse."